LOOK UP! AND LOOK OUT! WHEN FISHING

Anglers can inadvertently put themselves in danger by fishing too close to the overhead electricity network. Every year anglers fishing without caution can suffer electric shocks and burns. By following a few safety precautions anglers can avoid injury during the fishing season and happily cast away!

The key facts below will help to explain the dangers and the precautions that should be taken.

• Overhead lines are normally uninsulated
• They are most commonly supported on wood poles at a height of 5.2m (17ft) and above
• Electricity lines on wooden poles are often dangerously mistaken for telephone wires
• Voltages on wood poles range from 230 volts to 110,000 volts
• High voltages lines normally have yellow danger of death notices fitted to the poles or pylons
• At higher voltages electricity will jump through the air. This means it is not necessary to touch an overhead line to suffer electric shock and burns which can cause death.
• Most fishing rods will conduct electricity, especially those containing carbon fibres
• Materials when wet or damp will allow electricity to flow along them
• Overhead lines are often difficult to see, particularly if set against a dark background

You can stay safe by following some simple precautions

• Always look out and look up for overhead lines before rods are assembled and before fishing begins
• It is not easy to estimate the heights and distances of overhead lines from the ground and an adequate safety distance must be must be kept to avoid accidental contact or approach
• Fish at least 30 metres (100ft) away from all overhead lines (measure along the ground)
• Contact or near contact must be avoided as it is extremely dangerous, particularly if the object is an electrical conductor, for example a rod or pole, lead coated fishing line or even a damp nylon line.
• If you own, lease or make fishing waters available where overhead lines are present, please ensure visible safety signs have been erected.
• Always tell children never to fish near overhead lines as they may not be able to calculate the distance required

There are two types of warning signs:

The first is a warning notice to be used to provide a general warning at the approaches to the water. The second is a prohibition notice to be used to signify no fishing within 30 metres of overhead lines.

Further advice and warning signs are available from Northern Ireland Electricity by contacting NIE Safety on 028 9066 1100. These will be provided free of charge in limited numbers. The responsibility for erection and maintenance rests with the users.

Remember all the dangers. Look Up! Look Out! Follow the safety guidelines and enjoy your fishing.

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